Space

The 208 is available as a three-door or a five-door, but whichever
version you choose, it’s a little cramped compared with rivals such as
the Ford Fiesta and VWPolo.

True, there’s plenty of space in the front, but six-footers won’t
want to ride in the back for long because headroom is quite tight.

The boot is more competitive; it’s a good size and shape, so can
swallow the weekly food shop with ease. However, the seats lie at an
angle when folded down, and they don’t even fold in two separate
pieces if you go for the cheapest version of the 208. This means it
can transport rear passengers or longer items of luggage, but not both.

Dashboard layout

High quality interior with a glaring oversight

Climb into a 208 after getting out of any of its rivals and it
immediately makes them feel ordinary. Peugeot has gone to
great lengths to give the 208’s interior an upmarket ambience and it
has undoubtedly succeeded.

In addition to the tactile materials and modern design, most
versions get a large touchscreen with sophisticated graphics.
Unfortunately, while this looks good, it’s rather fiddly to use on the move.

It isn’t the only issue, either.The 208 has an unusually small
steering wheel that is positioned in such a way that for many drivers
the instruments are seriously obscured. Peugeot claims it’s not a
problem for its customers, but it is for us.

Fun to drive

Every version is eclipsed by rivals

The sporty GTi model is the most entertaining in the range, but it
still doesn’t feel as agile or fun as the Ford Fiesta ST or RenaultClio Cup.

As for lesser 208s, these are undermined by a tendency to flop over
on to their outside wheels when you turn into a bend. You’re unlikely
to go the long way home from work or the shops just for the fun of
driving them.

Reliability

Peugeot performed poorly in the last JD Power customer satisfaction
survey, finishing 24th out of the 27 manufacturers included, although
the 208 was too new to be considered.

Like all new Peugeots, the 208 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile
warranty. This is in line with the warranties offered on the Ford
Fiesta and VW Polo, but it falls short of the five-year, 100,000-mile
warranty provided by Toyota, let alone Kia’s seven-year,
100,000-mile warranty and Vauxhall’s 100,000-mile, unlimited-period warranty.

Fuel economy

Excellent across the range

The 1.0-litre petrol engine might be noisy and weak, but its fuel
economy makes these failings easier to forgive; it returns an official
average of 65.7mpg.

The diesels are even more efficient, though, with each averaging
over 70mpg. And you’ll find it easier to get close to their official
figures simply because you don’t have to work them as hard as the 1.0-litre.

In truth, all of the engines are parsimonious, with the exception of
the GTi model, which puts performance ahead of economy.

Affordability

Competitive pricing and attractive ownership packages

The Peugeot 208 has some tough competition in the small hatchback
market and it’s priced competitively to appeal to buyers.

Good looks and that smart interior should count in its favour when
you come to sell it. And while it will never retain as much money as
the equivalent Volkswagen Polo, you’ll pay less for the 208 in the
first place.

Peugeot also offers some excellent finance rates and its Just Add
Fuel three-year package covers the lease, insurance and servicing
costs, meaning you can predict exactly how much a 208 will cost you to own.

Safety

The Access model might miss out on some creature comforts, but
Peugeot hasn’t skimped on safety equipment.

All 208s come with brake assist and stability control systems that
help you avoid accidents, while front, side and window airbags are on
hand in case a collision proves unavoidable.

It all helped the 208 earn a five-star overall score when it was
crash tested by independent safety body Euro NCAP. But look more
closely at the adult and child protection results and you’ll see that
the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and VW Polo all performed better -
particularly for child protection.

Standard spec

Low entry price reflected in specification

There are some very cheap versions of the 208, but to achieve these
prices Peugeot has had to pare the specification back to the bone;
Access models don’t even have colour-coded door mirrors or air-conditioning.

That’s why we reckon it’s worth spending a little more to get the
Active spec, which adds these features, plus a digital radio, a
Bluetooth hands-free phone connection and a socket that lets you
connect your iPod to the stereo.

Allure and Feline models come with all of this and smarter interior
finishes, while the XY and GTi models focus on luxury
and sportiness respectively.

Our favourite version

1.4 HDi 70 Active 5dr, list
price £14,595

Options you should add

Metallic paint (£495) and rear
parking aid (£270)

The verdict6The verdict

The verdict

Stylish looks, low running costs and a high-quality interior make the
Peugeot 208 an
appealing option. Unfortunately, it’s disappointing to drive and the
instruments are infuriating.